Preparation of *Aloe vera* Gel (AVG)

For the preparation of AVG, the leaves were washed using chlorinated water and dried to remove dirt and contamination. The margin of the leaves was mechanically cut to remove the external epidermis and extract the gel. We then added 1% (*w*/*w*) vitamin C to the obtained gel and stirred for 30 min at 50 ◦C to prevent browning, and the mixture was stored in airtight, opaque glass containers for further analysis and use.
